DDBs Volkswagen’s Think Small Print Ad

In 1959, Volkswagen pulled off one of marketing’s boldest moves: a tiny Beetle surrounded by a sea of white. The headline? “Think small.” No flashy claims. Just space, honesty, and smarts.

White space that sells

That blank background wasn’t empty. It directed your eyes exactly where VW wanted: first the car, then the message. Clean layout, laser focus. That’s visual hierarchy doing overtime.

Why it works

• White space grabs attention through contrast
• Design reinforces the product story
• Understatement builds authenticity
• Simplicity makes it unforgettable

Modern echoes

• Apple: minimal “Think different” ads with massive whitespace
• Google: one logo, one search box
• Nike: three words, endless power — “Just do it.”